Welcome to the WDAS monthly newsletter for October 2016: a digest of the month's latest contributions to our website.  Below you'll find Society News, Sky Notes and In-Focus articles printed in full.  There's also future events, and trailers for other articles which appear in full on the website - just a click away!

On the website you'll also be able to comment on articles, and if you'd like to play an editorial role in creating new content, just let us know!

Society News

This year’s foray over to Westerdale on Sept 2nd remarkably coincided with crystal clear skies once again, in fact we could not have wished for clearer ones.  It was obvious on arrival at the village hall car park that a sizeable gathering was present, induced out by the fine conditions (or was it society stalwart John Randles – the Godfather of Westerdale.  Whatever, we received a warm welcome as usual.  Whilst John and Mark were talking a barn owl flew out across the drop next to the site, a fine start to proceedings.

Whilst Keith and Mark sorted the telescopes out - just the two this year - Andi Ye, who had managed to make it back early from an appointment in Scarborough, helped with the IT equipment in the village hall.  This was utilised by Mark to give a brief presentation using the Starry Night program, whilst skies darkened sufficiently.  A rolling power point slide show was left running for anyone to watch, whilst not outside.

It wasn’t long before skies were sufficiently dark for our first objects.  First up, Saturn and Mars, visible low in the SW.  Saturn received all the plaudits, whilst Mars...  Oh damn, it’s gone behind that tree, oh well!  From our dark location and under transparent conditions, deep sky objects looked amazing, far better than anything experienced so far this year.  The Milky Way arched overhead in striking fashion, before cascading down to the SW horizon, with the northern rift, a huge dark intervening dust cloud, clearly evident through Cygnus.

Given that the Perseids had been predominantly clouded out, it was therefore rather satisfying that sporadic meteor levels that night were very healthy, almost a dozen were spotted, much to the delight of all.  Mark and Keith also pointed out numerous artificial satellites using the laser pointers.  Before proceedings finally came to an end, Uranus and Neptune were targeted, as well as Pluto, although which one of the numerous faint points of light Pluto was, was anyone’s guess.

An exceptional night all round then, made all the more special by our friendly hosts.

The following evening (3rd) was scheduled to be the Hook’s house camp site star party, however conditions were decidedly incompatible to any form of event, so it was postponed for a week.  The 10th our contingency date, turned out to be far more conducive for a star party.  Skies were almost as clear as Westerdale, the big difference being the moon, a full half, so natural light pollution was more evident.  Five members had made it across, and with 5 scopes set up, there was enough instrument ‘eye candy’ to attract the campers from a pretty full campsite.

10-Sep-2016 at Hook's House Farm: few photos captured on the night and needed
the deepest possible Google dream to titivate.

Taking advantage of the unobstructed views to the SW, Saturn and Mars were our early targets, with queues soon forming behind the scopes to view them.  As darkness fell Mark was able to give a laser point tour of the night sky, whilst Keith, Lee and Warren sought out various summer sky wonders.  Andi manned the burger van, well, the boot of his car, doling out homemade hamburgers and hotdogs in buns, whilst Mark’s container of mini sausage rolls were also offered round.  These star parties are not good for the waistline.

Views of the moon proved a huge draw, the terminator edge crossing some fine lunar scenery, including Copernicus, Clavius, and the lunar Apennines.  Stunning vista’s which impressed everyone.  As the evening wore on conditions became a little more chilly and as people drifted away back to their caravans and tents, Winter (which we all should know, is coming) did appear over the hedgerow to the east, otherwise identified as the Pleiades.  Just time for one more hotdog before we departed.  Thanks to all those members who came along and Hook’s House Farm for their cooperation.

A couple of unscheduled star party events were held on the cliff in an effort to counterbalance those events rained off, or clouded out. 

On the 17th we fell foul to inaccurate weather forecasting ( not for the first time this summer) when evening conditions dramatically improved at the last minute - too late though for any preparation to be made, so it was agreed not to bother. 

Mark managed an unscheduled sole star party event one Friday, which turned out to be quite successful.  It has to be said though that for one reason or another, our summer star party season seems to have been a struggle.  Put it down to poor forecasting, bad luck, bad timing or busy home/work schedules, it’s been one of those seasons.

  • Mark will be giving a talk at the Museum for the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society on October 15th at 14:00h: The Autumn night sky.
  • A Star Party on October 21st will be held at Mrs M Johnston’s, Ferndene House, Fylingthorpe to raise funds for the ‘Brighter Futures’ charity, helping African children get an education. 

    It is due to start from 19:00h so we would need to be there by 18:45h. There is a large back garden and a gazebo will be erected for the occasion providing cover. Further details will be given at the Oct monthly meeting.

  • Although there are no firm details just yet, there may be a couple more star party events in October, with Fylinghall School likely and one at Egton possibly on the cards.  Again if information is forthcoming before our meeting on October 4th it will be divulged then.

Following the toppling of the Whitby museum dictator, and the restoration of sanity (and hopefully all amenities) we shall discuss at the forthcoming October monthly meeting whether it is viable to return.

Apparently hire of the Normanby room will be £20 per hour for local societies, which is very reasonable, however if it is an evening occasion, then the council have to charge a flat rate of £60 to cover costs. This would mean an expenditure of around £200 for a Paul Money lecture.

If we do proceed we would be looking at next spring, April or May of 2017 depending on Paul’s schedule.

Night Scenes 2016

We are now taking orders for Night Scenes 2017 - 25 copies will be ordered.  By now you all know how excellent this indispensable almanac is, so don’t delay.  Price will be £4.

Events

Whitby Youth Hostel - East Whitby - rear of Abbey vistor centre. Book now: email whitbyatyha.org.uk or call 01947 602 878 to reserve a space.

 

Date:
29 March, 2024 - 19:30 to 21:15
Address:

Public viewing open night at the Bruce Observatory - Caedmon College, Normanby Campus, Whitby. Please contact Mark before travelling -01947 605516

Date:
31 March, 2024 - 20:15
Address:
Bruce Observatory - Caedmon College
Prospect Hill
YO21 1LA Whitby
United Kingdom
GB

Observe the night sky with us at the Bruce Observatory, Caedmaon College - Normanby campus (formally Whitby College).

Observing Nights are held weather permitting: check for a relatively clear sky before leaving home. If in doubt, Mark can be reached on tel 01947 605516.

Please note the college drive gate is now operated via a electronic key code - so anyone wishing to attend must be at the car park at the top of the drive by 19:00hrs, unless an arrival time has been arranged with Mark/Keith after 19:30hrs.  Otherwise shout or bip car horn - we'll hear.

Date:
8 December, 2024 - 18:00 to 21:00
Address:
Bruce Observatory, Caedmon School Normandy Site (Whitby School)
Prospect Hill
YO21 1LA Whitby
United Kingdom
GB